Don’t move mural to park

I don’t think our letters to the editor make a difference to the “powers that be” here in Cheboygan. I agree — leave the mural where it is — just restore it with a fresh coat of paint.

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Cheboygan Daily Tribune - Cheboygan, MI

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Posted Sep. 4, 2013 at 12:01 AM

Posted Sep. 4, 2013 at 12:01 AM

I don’t think our letters to the editor make a difference to the “powers that be” here in Cheboygan. I agree — leave the mural where it is — just restore it with a fresh coat of paint.
Washington Park has a history of its own to capitalize on. A colonial gazebo sits there depicting the Victorian times of George Washington — the father of our country.
Children need to know about George Washington and his contribution to the freedom of our country. Why not put a mural of Washington crossing the Delaware River? Keep that name — give more meanining to why early citizens chose the name for Washington Park.
Why not put an Indian mural where it rightfully should be — on the yellow wall behind Ottawa Park? Surely Indians foraged that river and gave the river its name — Cheboygan — as they set on the land and rested where Ottawa Park is today.
Most people look at a painting or a mural and try to figure out the message of the artist. Help the artist fit the message to the place.
Later, when there is more money — have another mural cover the ugly wall at Festival Square. That too, should reflect what we are trying to say about our town.
Another Indian mural on that wall would add to the interest of our town in depicting our brave and proud heritage. Then every fall have an Indian Pow-Wow at Festival Square.
I believe if we teach our history, visitors will come to learn and stay a while to play. Give them something that appeals to their children. Pow-Wows appeal to the innate nature of a child. You’ll never fail if you put childrens’ interest first.
Remember that old Bible lesson — “let the children lead you.”
Betty Hirschman
Cheboygan